A report from FLIR Systems describes how Norwegian waste treatment company - Lindum Ressurs og Gjenvinning AS has successfully implemented a FLIR GF320 gas camera to spot methane leaks, prevent uncontrolled gas venting and keep the air clean at and around its landfill sites.

At the company's main site at Drammen (Norway), Lindum has a biogas production plant and a huge landfill consisting of selected solid waste covered with clay layers. The methane gas produced by the landfill is extracted and used for power production and residential heating. Methane is an odorless, environmentally harmful gas which is created as a result of pressure formed in the landfill. However, the landfill also discharges hydrogen sulfide (H2S) a malodorous gas that at times has annoyed surrounding residential areas.

To detect these gas leaks, Lindum acquired a FLIR Systems GF320 gas imaging camera, an infrared camera that traces and visualizes about twenty VOC gases including methane The landfill, with a surface of approx 10 hectares, is inspected twice a week at dawn for about one hour. The FLIR GF320 instantly shows gas leaks, visualized as black or white plumes. Landfill workers then cover the leaks with clay and an ironed mass to neutralize the sulfide odors. The FLIR GF320 gas imaging camera is also used for inspection of the biogas production piping on a weekly basis.

Using the FLIR camera as both a maintenance and safety tool - Lindum has made estimated savings of more than Euro 12,000 per year and has been able to reduce the foul odor nuisance considerably.